Novel Study: Character Analysis and Plot

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Questions and Answers

What is the name of the character trapped in the well?

Virgil (Virgilio) Salinas

What is Chet Bullen's nickname?

The Bull

Name the girl who is deaf but can still talk.

Valencia Somerset

Who is the author of Hello, Universe?

Erin Entrada Kelly Signup and view all the answers

Which character gets a snake bite in the woods?

Chet Bullens or The Bull Signup and view all the answers

How old is Virgil Salinas?

11 years old Signup and view all the answers

What is the nickname Virgil's family gave him?

Turtle Signup and view all the answers

Who helped Virgil out of the well?

Valencia Somerset Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of Virgil's hamster?

Gulliver Signup and view all the answers

Which character calls Virgil 'Retard'?

Chet Bullens / The Bull Signup and view all the answers

Who helped Chet with his snake bite?

Valencia Somerset Signup and view all the answers

What did Chet call Valencia?

Deafo Signup and view all the answers

What was Valencia's fake name when she met Kaori?

Just Rene Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of Valencia's guinea pig?

Liliput Signup and view all the answers

Who was Virgil's best friend?

Kaori Tanaka Signup and view all the answers

What was Kaori's sister's name?

Gen Tanaka Signup and view all the answers

Which character was a psychic?

Kaori Tanaka Signup and view all the answers

Which character switches hobbies often?

Gen Tanaka Signup and view all the answers

Why did Virgil go down the well?

Chet threw his backpack, with Gulliver in it, into the well. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Chet in the woods?

To capture a snake. Signup and view all the answers

What does Virgil Salinas call his grandmother?

Lola (grandmother in Filipino) Signup and view all the answers

What does Lola call Virgil?

Virgilio Signup and view all the answers

Where did Lola live before moving to the US?

Philippines Signup and view all the answers

What are the names of Virgil's older brothers?

Joselito and Julius Signup and view all the answers

Why did Virgil's parents call him Turtle?

Because he wouldn't 'come out of his shell'. Signup and view all the answers

What did Valencia write that said 'Hello'?

Hello Signup and view all the answers

What do the children leave behind in the well that will shine in that dark place?

Gen's pink jump rope Signup and view all the answers

How did Valencia get her wish to be an explorer?

She helped a snakebite victim, saved a boy from a well, and met a psychic. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Valencia admire her texts at the end of the day?

She had 73 texts with Kaori figuring out their business plan when the day before she had 12 texts from her mom. Signup and view all the answers

Who texts Valencia 'Hello' at 12:33am?

Virgil Signup and view all the answers

What did Virgil have the courage to tell his mom after he was rescued from the well?

To not call him Turtle. Signup and view all the answers

Who followed Virgil home after he was rescued from the well?

The stray dog, Sacred. Signup and view all the answers

What did Virgil realize about his home when he first walked into it after being rescued?

How bright it was, how the smells were comforting, and how the cool air felt plush on his skin. Signup and view all the answers

What did Virgil say to Chet after he called him retardo?

'Call me that again and you'll regret it'. Signup and view all the answers

How was Virgil finally able to reach the ladder and climb out of the well?

Valencia tied one end of Gen's pink jump rope to the bottom rung of the ladder and dropped the rest into the well. Signup and view all the answers

What three things does Virgil tell himself he will do differently if he is ever rescued?

<ol> <li>Stand up to his mother and say, 'I wish you wouldn't call me Turtle anymore.' 2) Next time the Bull called him a retard he'd speak up and mean it. 3) He would talk to Valencia. Even if just to say 'Hello'.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What question does Ruby tell Bayani is the worst question in the world?

What's the point? Signup and view all the answers

What does Kaori believe with all of her heart about names?

It was critical to feel empowered by your name. Signup and view all the answers

What idea did Gen have about NOT needing a snakeskin stone?

They had the pillowcase with the snakeskin juice / snake mouth on it. Signup and view all the answers

What reasons did Valencia give Chet for why he was not bitten by a poisonous snake?

His throat wasn't closing up, he didn't have a fever, wasn't having a seizure, and he's able to talk easily. Signup and view all the answers

What name does Ruby call Virgil?

Bayani Signup and view all the answers

Why does Lola tell Virgil it is important to say things out loud?

Speaking it out loud allows you to let things go. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Ruby tell Bayani crying is good for the soul?

It means something needs to be released. And if you don't release the something, it weighs you down until you can hardly move. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Virgil hate crying?

It hurt: his cheeks ached, eyes burned and were puffy, throat hurt, and nose throbbed. Signup and view all the answers

What did Virgil's parents and brothers always tease him about?

For being too shy, too quiet, and afraid of the dark. Signup and view all the answers

What did Virgil think Lola's hands felt like?

Paper Signup and view all the answers

Why did Valencia say they wouldn't be able to find a snakeskin agate in the woods?

It's usually found in dry riverbeds or along beaches; places where there's water. The woods didn't have any water features. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Main Characters

Virgil Salinas: 11-year-old Filipino-American boy, nicknamed "Turtle" by his family
Valencia Somerset: Deaf and can talk, has a guinea pig named Liliput
Kaori Tanaka: A psychic, has a sister named Gen Tanaka
Chet Bullens (The Bull): A bully, nicknamed "The Bull"
Virgil's grandmother (Lola): Filipino, has a strong influence on Virgil

Plot

Virgil's guinea pig, Gulliver, is thrown into a well by Chet, and Virgil goes down to rescue it
Virgil gets trapped in the well, and Valencia and Kaori try to rescue him
Chet gets a snake bite in the woods and is helped by Valencia
Virgil is finally rescued, and he and Valencia develop a connection

Character Development

Virgil: Overcomes his fears, stands up to his mother, and develops confidence
Valencia: Helps others, develops her skills, and finds her sense of adventure
Kaori: A supportive friend, has a strong sense of intuition
Chet: A bully who learns from his mistakes, but still has some negative traits
Lola: A wise and loving grandmother who teaches Virgil valuable lessons

Themes

Overcoming fears and anxiety
Importance of friendship and supporting others
Embracing one's identity and uniqueness
Dealing with bullying and standing up for oneself
The power of self-expression and speaking one's truth

Symbols

The well: Represents Virgil's fears and anxieties, as well as his growth and transformation
The snake: Represents Chet's mistakes and his ability to learn from them
The pink jump rope: Symbolizes hope and friendship
The name "Bayani": Means "brave" or "hero," representing Virgil's growth and bravery

Other Key Facts

Virgil's parents call him "Turtle" because he wouldn't "come out of his shell"
Valencia has a fake name, "Just Rene," when she meets Kaori
Kaori believes it's critical to feel empowered by one's name
Lola tells Virgil that speaking out loud allows you to let things go

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Description

Explore the characters and plot of a novel featuring Virgil, Valencia, Kaori, and Chet, including their relationships and personal growth.